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Finances & Money • Frugality

Frugal Tip: Reuse the Light

January 14, 2009
By Cleverdude
- Leave a Comment

When you live alone, it should be obvious that you should just use the light in the room you’re in. However, what about when you live with a spouse or roommate?

While not always practical (i.e. one is reading, one is watching TV), the most logical use of energy in your home is to congregate in the same room as your fellow housemates to reuse the light (and heat or A/C), rather than flipping on your own lamp.

Using the Daylight

When you’re at home and the sun is shining, think about opening the curtains and blinds a little wider to let the sun shine in, and then turning off the lights in place of the daylight. Again, this tip isn’t always practical, like on cloudy days, but if you can get by on nature’s lamp rather than the power company’s, then try to do so.

And while at the office, if you’re lucky enough to have a window (and your own light switch), turn off the light. Set an example and if enough coworkers follow it, the company might save enough money to give you a raise next year!

Photo by Hryckowian

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About Cleverdude

Mike founded CleverDude.com in June 2006 while working as a technical analyst in the Washington, D.C. area. A Penn State graduate, he built the site as a side project alongside a white-collar career that included earning a master’s degree and multiple promotions.

In five years he wrote nearly 1,300 articles on personal finance and life lessons drawn from his own experience. The blog grew from a hobby into a recognized early voice in the personal-finance community and generated meaningful revenue. He sold the site in 2010, continued as a guest contributor through 2015, and returned in 2023 after further career advances, paying off his home, and extensive travel.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Momma says

    January 14, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    For months I used to keep the office light off. I have a hug window behind me, and my own office. The CEO came in one day and told me that if I am in the office, my light needed to be on. Period. Some folks just don’t get on board with these things.

    Reply
  2. Nicki at Domestic Cents says

    January 14, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    I keep the lights off most days in our home. The sun also helps warm your home in the winter when you open the curtains. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Craig says

    January 14, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    When reading during the afternoon I always open up the blinds to let natural light come in. It’s a pet peeve of mine when someone leaves the TV on when leaving a room or doesn’t turn off the lights. Not necessarily as a waste of money, just a pet peeve in general. Anyone else agree?

    Reply
  4. Tim says

    January 17, 2009 at 11:48 am

    this is the reason i don’t read and instead i watch tv, then i don’t have any light issues ;o)

    Reply

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